The hybrid vehicles on the market at this time, including the Ford Escape, the Honda Accord and the Lexus RX, all have manufacturer suggested retail prices approximately 10 percent higher than the same models equipped with conventional engines, Streams said.

Streams' Republican opponent for the Board of Finance seat, Christina Kearney, agrees with Streams on this point.

"I'm always in favor of anything that reduces our town taxes," Kearney said. "I would explore every option and ensure there's no burden on the town as a result of this reduction."

Streams' proposal calls for the Redding Board of Finance to study the impact on the town's tax revenues if the plan were adopted. He believes revenue would still increase as people replace older vehicles with new ones.

Joe Dolan, a member of the Board of Finance, said Streams' proposal merits a closer look.

"This is a serious proposal that deserves real consideration," Dolan said. "Our board is already leading an effort to consider installing solar panels at Redding Elementary School and to make residents aware of a private program that lets them support generation of electricity through renewable resources.